MUSCAT: Pakistan’s duo of Muhammad Asif and Asjad Iqbal claimed the title of the Oman Snooker World Cup 2025 after a 3–2 victory over Hong Kong 2, represented by Chau Hon Man and Nansen Wan, in a dramatic final that witnessed multiple momentum shifts until the very last moments. Hong Kong 2 secured second place, while India and Hong Kong 1 earned the bronze medals during the awards ceremony held under the auspices of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth.
The ceremony was attended by Abdulwahab al Marshudi, CEO of Sohar International Bank, Mubarak al Khayarin, President of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation, and Khalid al Subhi, Chairman of the Oman Billiards and Snooker Committee, along with representatives of the participating teams. The event took place at Active Oman at the Oman Automobile Association.
The match kicked off with intensity from both sides, as Hong Kong 2 captured the first frame thanks to high concentration and precise execution of difficult shots, taking an early 1–0 lead. Pakistan quickly responded in the second frame, regaining rhythm on the table and levelling the score 1–1.
In the third frame, Hong Kong 2 once again moved ahead 2–1 after a disciplined performance and smart reading of the table, putting heavy pressure on Pakistan. But the Pakistani team showcased true champion spirit under pressure, staging a strong comeback in the fourth frame to equalise 2–2 before sealing the deciding frame with exceptional accuracy, composure and focus. This secured Pakistan a well-earned world title amid strong fan attendance, further confirming their powerful presence on the global stage.
OMAN TO HOST NEXT TWO EDITIONS
Mubarak al Khayarin, President of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation, praised the championship’s exceptional success, emphasising that the 2025 Muscat edition was “outstanding by all standards,” recording more than 30 century breaks, a testament to the high level of competition.
He announced a new partnership between the IBSF and the Sultanate of Oman to host the next two editions of the Snooker World Cup, citing the remarkable success achieved this year.
The awards ceremony began with a speech by Khalid al Subhi, during which he praised the technical and organisational success of the Muscat edition of the championship, which saw the participation of 23 national teams from November 15 to 23.
Al Subhi highlighted that the championship was a significant addition to Oman’s record of hosting major international sports events, thanks to professional organisation and the high-level sportsmanship displayed by the international players. He emphasised that the excellent sports environment provided by Active Oman had strengthened Muscat’s reputation as a global snooker destination.
He added that this success was achieved through strong cooperation between government and private entities, sponsors, media partners, organising committees and volunteers.
Following the speech, Basil al Rawas, Abdulwahab al Marshudi, Mubarak al Khayarin and Khalid al Subhi presented the awards. Pakistan were crowned world cup champions and received the gold medals, while Hong Kong 2 collected the silver medals. India and Hong Kong 1 received the bronze medals. Hong Kong player Lim Kok Leong was awarded the trophy for the highest break of the tournament after scoring 139 points, the highest in the 2025 Oman World Cup in Muscat.
Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas expressed the ministry’s pride in Oman’s successful hosting of the Snooker World Cup, noting that the tournament showcased the sport’s growth and global reach, while also reaffirming Oman’s rising status as a leading sports destination. He congratulated the winning teams and thanked Sohar Bank, Active Oman and the Oman Automobile Association for their key roles in ensuring the tournament’s success.
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